Platform / Parenting Matters
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Parenting Matters
Support Chicago families through enhanced childcare access, education investment, and direct financial support to working parents.
The Problem
Chicago families face mounting financial and care challenges:
- → Childcare costs exceed 20% of family income for working parents
- → Insufficient quality early childhood education access
- → Wage stagnation makes affording family basics difficult
- → Limited support for school success and college readiness
$250M
Direct family financial assistance through comprehensive support programs
Evidence Base
150K
Families directly supported through new programs
$3,000
Average annual stipend per family
25%
Reduction in family financial stress
Our Commitment
Direct Family Financial Support
- ✓ $3,000 annual stipends for qualified working families
- ✓ Childcare subsidies for low and moderate-income families
- ✓ School supplies and back-to-school grants
- ✓ Summer program access for youth enrichment
Childcare & Early Education
- ✓ Universal pre-K expansion across the city
- ✓ Quality childcare center network development
- ✓ Family support services and parent coaching
- ✓ Infant and toddler care expansion
School & College Success
- ✓ Tutoring and academic support programs
- ✓ College counseling and application support
- ✓ Trade apprenticeship pathways
- ✓ Parent engagement in school communities
100-Day Action Plan
Days 1-30
Program Design
- Family Surveys Needs assessment completed
- Program Blueprint Stipend and support structure
- Budget Allocation Funding secured
Days 31-60
Pilot Launch
- Pilot Wards 10 wards launch program
- Applications Open 25K families apply
- Pre-K Pilot 2 new universal pre-K sites
Days 61-100
Expansion
- Citywide Rollout Program expanded to 50 wards
- First Payments Stipends distributed to families
- Results 150K families receiving support
Related Resources
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